CARCINOMA OF THE COMMON BILE DUCT TREATED BY ENDOSCOPIC LASERTHERMIA REPORT OF A CASE

Abstract

A 78-year-old female was admitted to our hospital because of obstructive jaundice. After percutaneous transhepatic cholangio-drainage, cholangiography and choledocho-scopy revealed choledochal carcinoma causing complete obstruction at the lower end of the common bile duct. Because of her congestive heart failure, we treated her conservatively. To make an internal fistula we performed local laserthermia using Nd : YAG laser via percutaneous transhepatic choledochoscopy with single channel. Immediately after irradi-ation, we could pass the drainage tube into the duodenum through the duodenal papilla without any complications, on the fourth day, cholangiogram showed partial reduction of the tumour. Our experience demonstrated that endoscopic local laserthermia is an effective treatment for choledochal carcinoma.